Master package

ABSTRACT

A master package including a plurality of utility packages and removable master packaging surrounding the utility packages. Each utility package includes a plurality of absorbent articles and utility packaging including a flexible pocket and a recloseable opening.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

[0001] This is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application No.09/713,596, filed Nov. 15, 2000, entitled, “MASTER PACKAGE”, which ishereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] The present invention relates generally to packages, and moreparticularly to a master package including utility packages containingabsorbent articles.

[0003] Absorbent articles such as panty liners, feminine napkins andtampons are frequently carried about in purses, backpacks and briefcasesuntil needed. Typically, the articles are put in these containers loose.Unfortunately, these containers do not always provide a hygienicenvironment for the articles, and thus the articles can become dirtyand/or damaged. Further, the articles can become scattered about in thecontainers so they are difficult to find when needed.

[0004] In the past, specifically designed pouches have been distributedfor holding several absorbent articles at a time. These pouches reducecontact between the articles and potentially non-hygienic environments,and make the articles easier to find when needed. The pouches are madefrom durable materials such as heavy vinyl so they can be reused, butreuse necessitates the pouches be refilled from time to time. Further,the pouches frequently become non-hygienic after extended use, requiringthem to be cleaned or discarded and replaced.

[0005] To avoid these problems, some persons use clear plastic sandwichbags to hold the articles. These bags usually maintain a hygienicenvironment for the articles and make the articles easier to find whenneeded. Although the bags must be filled from time to time, they arereadily disposable and replaceable thereby reducing some of the concernsand inconveniences caused by extended use. However, because the bags aretransparent, they permit the contents of the bags to be viewed. Someusers desire more discreet packaging. Thus, there is a need for adiscreet, disposable and economical recloseable package for holdingseveral articles at a time.

[0006] One type of packaging which meets the previously mentioned needis described in a co-assigned U.S. patent application, entitled “Packagefor Absorbent Articles”, filed Nov. 15, 2000, and identified as KCC4728, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. Thispackaging includes a pocket for holding the articles and a opening forwithdrawing articles from the pocket when needed. Further, the packagingincludes a flap for selectively covering the opening. The flap has anadhesive closure for holding the flap against the pocket when coveringthe opening. The size of the packaging is suitable for carrying in apurse, backpack or briefcase, but is not economically sized for generalretail. Further, the packaging has an appropriate durability forconsumer use but is not sufficiently durable for distribution to retailsites. Thus, there is a need for durable master packaging sized forholding several utility packages.

SUMMARY OF INVENTION

[0007] Briefly, apparatus of this invention is a master packagecomprising a plurality of utility packages. Each of the utility packagesincludes a plurality of absorbent articles and utility packaging. Theutility packaging includes a flexible pocket having a hollow interiorsized and shaped for receiving the plurality of absorbent articles and arecloseable opening extending into the hollow interior of the pocketsized and shaped for permitting at least one of the plurality ofarticles to be withdrawn from the hollow interior of the pocket. Themaster package also includes removable master packaging surrounding theplurality of utility packages having a hollow interior sized and shapedfor receiving the plurality of utility packages.

[0008] Other features of the present invention will be in part apparentand in part pointed out hereinafter.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0009]FIG. 1 is a front elevation of a prior art panty liner surroundedby a removable wrapper;

[0010]FIG. 2 is a front elevation of a utility package of the presentinvention showing a flap of the package in a closed position;

[0011]FIG. 3 is a front elevation of the utility package showing theflap in an open position;

[0012]FIG. 4 is a top plan of the utility package showing the flap inthe open position;

[0013]FIG. 5 is a front elevation of empty packaging of the utilitypackage;

[0014]FIG. 6 is a front elevation of a master package of a firstembodiment of the present invention with a portion broken away to showutility packages therein;

[0015]FIG. 7 is a front elevation of a master package of a secondembodiment of the present invention with a portion broken away to showutility packages therein;

[0016]FIG. 8 is a front elevation of a utility package of a secondembodiment of the present invention; and

[0017]FIG. 9 is a front elevation of a utility package of a thirdembodiment of the present invention;

[0018]FIG. 10 is a plan view of an interlabial pad such as may bepackaged in accordance with this invention, partly broken away to showdetail;

[0019]FIG. 11 is a edge view of the interlabial pad;

[0020]FIG. 12 is a plan view showing the pad folded;

[0021]FIG. 13 is a section taken in the plane of line 13-13 of FIG. 12;

[0022]FIG. 14 is a front elevation of hygienic packaging containing thefolded pad;

[0023]FIG. 15 is a section taken in the plane of line 15-15 of FIG. 14;

[0024]FIG. 16 is a front elevation of a package of a fourth embodimentof the present invention in a closed condition, the packaged padstherein shown in dashed lines;

[0025]FIG. 17 is a section taken in the plane of line 17-17 of FIG. 16;

[0026]FIG. 18 is a front elevation of the package of FIG. 16 in anopened condition;

[0027]FIG. 19 is a section taken in the plane of line 18-18 of FIG. 18;

[0028]FIG. 20 is a front elevation of a package of a fifth embodiment ofthe present invention, the packaged pads therein shown in dashed lines;

[0029]FIG. 21 is a section taken in the plane of line 21-21 of FIG. 20;

[0030]FIG. 22 is a front elevation of a package of a sixth embodiment ofthe present invention, the packaged pads therein shown in dashed lines;

[0031]FIG. 23 is a section taken in the plane of line 23-23 of FIG. 22;

[0032]FIG. 24 is a front elevation of a package of a seventh embodimentof the present invention in an opened condition, the packaged padstherein shown in dashed lines;

[0033]FIG. 25 is a section taken in the plane of line 25-25 of FIG. 24;

[0034]FIG. 26 is a front elevation of the package of FIG. 24 in anopened condition; and

[0035]FIG. 27 is a front elevation of a package of a eighth embodimentof the present invention in an opened condition, the packaged padstherein shown in dashed lines.

[0036] Corresponding reference characters indicate corresponding partsthroughout the several views of the drawings.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0037] Referring now to the drawings and in particular to FIG. 1, aconventional individually wrapped absorbent article is designated in itsentirety by the reference numeral 20. Although the absorbent article 20shown in FIG. 1 is a panty liner 22 surrounded by a wrapper, generallydesignated by 24, those skilled in the art will appreciate that thepresent invention may be applied to other absorbent articles 20 such asfeminine napkins, tampons, interlabial pads, other feminine careproducts, adult care products, child care products and infant careproducts. Further, those skilled in the art will appreciate thatalthough the illustrated articles 20 are individually wrapped, thearticles may be unwrapped without departing from the scope of thepresent invention.

[0038] The panty liner 22 shown in FIG. 1 is folded twice in aconventional manner to present a generally flat and generallyrectangular article. Although the folded panty liner 22 may have othersizes without departing from the scope of the present invention, in oneembodiment the folded liner has a width of about 50 millimeters, alength of about 70 millimeters and a thickness of about 5 millimeters.It is also envisioned that the panty liner 22 may be unfolded and/ornon-rectangular without departing from the scope of the presentinvention.

[0039] Although the wrapper 24 may be made in other ways withoutdeparting from the scope of the present invention, in one embodiment thewrapper includes a rectangular sheet 30 having opposing side edges 32,34 and opposite end edges 36, 38. A first fold 40 in the sheet 30extending between the side edges 32, 34 forms a bottom of the wrapper24, and a second fold 42 in the sheet extending between the side edgesgenerally parallel to and above the first fold forms a top of thewrapper. The first fold 40 separates a middle portion 44 of the wrapper24 from a back portion 46, and the second fold 42 separates the middleportion from a front portion 48 of the wrapper. The side edges 32, 34 ofthe middle portion 44 are joined to the back portion 46, and the sideedges of the forward portion 48 are joined to the middle portion to formopposing sides of the wrapper. A margin 50 of the sheet 30 adjacent theend edge 36 overlaps a margin 52 of the sheet adjacent the end edge 38.It is envisioned that it may be desirable to join the side edges 32, 34of the forward portion 48 to the back portion 46.

[0040] Although the side edges 32, 34 of the rectangular sheet 30 may bejoined in other ways (such as with adhesives or by heat sealing) withoutdeparting from the scope of the present invention, in one embodiment theside edge margins are joined by conventional mechanical fastening meansas shown. Although the wrapped article 20 may have other sizes withoutdeparting from the scope of the present invention, in one embodiment thearticle has a width 54 of about 75 millimeters, a length 56 of about 75millimeters and a thickness 58 (FIG. 4) of about 5 millimeters. Further,although the dimensions of the article 20 may vary from article toarticle without departing from the scope of the present invention, inone embodiment the dimensions are generally uniform. In addition, thedimensions may vary within a given article or they may be invariantwithout departing from the scope of the present invention. Although thewrapper 24 may be made of other materials without departing from thescope of the present invention, in one embodiment the wrapper is madefrom low density polyethylene sheet material having a thickness of about38 microns. It is further envisioned that the wrapper 24 may have anadhesive or other closure (not shown) without departing from the scopeof the present invention.

[0041] As illustrated in FIGS. 2-4, a utility package of the presentinvention is designated in its entirety by the reference numeral 60. Thepackage 60 generally comprises a plurality of absorbent articles 20(FIG. 4) and recloseable packaging, generally designated by 62. Aspreviously mentioned, it is envisioned that the articles 20 may befolded or unfolded and individually wrapped or unwrapped withoutdeparting from the scope of the present invention. Although the articles20 may be arranged in other ways without departing from the scope of thepresent invention, in one embodiment the articles are arranged inface-to-face relation in a stack as illustrated in FIG. 4. The package60 includes a number of articles 20 which is selected for theconvenience of an end user. For example, the package 60 may include lessthan about eight absorbent articles 20 to provide a supply of articlesfor about one week or less. It is envisioned that it may be desirablethat the package 60 include about five absorbent articles 20 to providea supply of articles for one conventional work week (i.e., five days).

[0042] The packaging 62 includes a flexible pocket 64. The pocket 64 hasa hollow interior 66 sized and shaped for receiving the preselectednumber of absorbent articles 20 as shown in FIG. 4. An opening 68extends into the hollow interior 66 of the pocket 64. The opening 68 issized and shaped for permitting at least one of the plurality ofarticles 20 to be withdrawn from the hollow interior 66 of the pocket64. Further, the packaging 62 includes a flap 70 attached to the pocket64 adapted for covering the opening 68 to retain the plurality ofarticles 20 in the hollow interior 66 of the pocket 64. The flap 70 isselectably moveable between an open position as illustrated in FIG. 3 inwhich the opening 68 is generally unobstructed by the flap to permit atleast one article 20 to be withdrawn through the opening and a closedposition as shown in FIG. 2 in which the flap covers the opening and anexterior area 72 (FIG. 3) of the pocket 64 to retain the articles in thepocket and to prevent the articles from passing through the opening. Inone embodiment, the flap 70 is substantially rectangular and has asubstantially straight distal edge 74. However, those skilled in the artwill appreciate that the flap 70 may have other shapes such assemi-circular or triangular without departing from the scope of thepresent invention.

[0043] As illustrated in FIG. 3, a closure 76 is positioned on an innerface 78 of the flap 70 for releasably holding the flap in the closedposition. It is envisioned that the closure 76 may be positioned on theexterior area 72 of the pocket 64 instead of or in addition to beingpositioned on the flap 70. Preferably, the closure 76 permits the flap70 to be positioned in a different location on the pocket 64 duringsuccessive closings when successive articles 20 are removed from theinterior 66 of the pocket to permit the packaging 62 to conform to theremaining articles in the interior of the pocket. Although otherclosures 76 may be used without departing from the scope of the presentinvention, in one embodiment the closure is an adhesive material such asa conventional resealable hot melt adhesive or a resealable two sidedtape for releasably holding the flap 70 in the closed position.

[0044] Although the closure 76 may be positioned at other locationswithout departing from the scope of the present invention, in oneembodiment the closure is spaced from the distal edge 74 of the flap 70to permit a free portion of the flap to be grasped and separated fromthe pocket 64 to grip the flap for releasing the closure. It isenvisioned that it may be desirable that the closure 76 be spaced fromthe distal edge 74 of the flap 70 by a distance 80 of at least about 4millimeters. It is further envisioned that it may be desirable that thedistance 80 be about 16 millimeters.

[0045] Although the closure 76 may have other shapes without departingfrom the scope of the present invention, in one embodiment the closureis an elongate strip of adhesive material extending substantiallyparallel to the distal edge 74 of the packaging flap 70. In oneembodiment, the strip of adhesive material is substantially continuousand uninterrupted along its entire length, but it is envisioned thatother embodiments may have adhesive material which is discontinuousand/or interrupted along its length without departing from the scope ofthe present invention. In addition, it is envisioned that it may bedesirable that the strip extend over substantially an entire width 82 ofthe flap 70 so the corners 84 of the flap are held in place near thepocket 64. Although the elongate strip may have other widths withoutdeparting from the scope of the present invention, in one embodiment thestrip has a width 86 of less than about 20 millimeters and more thanabout 2 millimeters. It may be desirable that the width 86 of the stripbe about 7 millimeters.

[0046] Although the packaging 62 may be made in other ways withoutdeparting from the scope of the present invention, in one embodimentillustrated in FIG. 5 the packaging comprises a rectangular sheet 90having opposing side edges 92, 94 and opposite end edges 96, 98. A firstfold 100 extending between the side edges 92, 94 forms a bottom of thepackaging 62, and a second fold 102 (FIG. 2) extending between the sideedges generally parallel to and above the first fold forms a top of thepackaging. The first fold 100 separates a middle portion 104 of thepackaging 62 from a back portion 106. The middle and back portions 104,106, respectively, form the pocket 64 of the packaging 62. The secondfold 102 separates the middle portion 104 from a front portion 108 ofthe packaging 62. The front portion 108 of the packaging 62 forms theflap 70. Although the second fold 102 may be positioned in otherlocations without departing from the scope of the present invention, inone embodiment the second fold is positioned immediately adjacent theopening 68 and immediately adjacent an upper end of the front portion108 (i.e., adjacent the edge 98 of the sheet 90). The middle portion 104is joined with the corresponding back portion 106 along side edges 92,94 to form opposing sides of the packaging 62. Although the middle andback portions 104, 106 may be joined in other ways (such as withadhesives or by mechanical fastening) without departing from the scopeof the present invention, in one embodiment they are joined byconventional heat sealing. Although the packaging 62 may be made fromother materials without departing from the scope of the presentinvention, in one embodiment the packaging is made from a heat sealablepolymer sheet material such as a material containing about 80%polyethylene and about 20% other polyolefins having a thickness of about45 microns available from Shanghai Zihua Enterprise Company, Limited ofShanghai, China. It is further envisioned that the packaging 62 may bemade from coated paper, woven material, non-woven material,polyethylene, polypropylene, co-polymers, extruded polymer,thermo-formed materials, and/or cardboard without departing from thescope of the present invention. Although in one embodiment the pocket 64is substantially free of gussets, in an alternate embodiment the sidesof the pocket may include conventional gussets (not shown) to providethe packaging 62 with a substantially flat bottom.

[0047] Although the interior 66 of the packaging 62 defined by the flap70 and the pocket 64 may have other sizes without departing from thescope of the present invention, it may be desirable that the interiorhave a volume when receiving the preselected number of articles 20 lessthan about twice the number of articles times a product of the articlewidth 54, length 56 and thickness 58, and more than about one times thenumber of articles times the product of the article width, length andthickness. As previously mentioned, the number of articles 20 isselected for the convenience of an end user. For example, it isenvisioned that it may be desirable that the package 60 include aboutfive absorbent articles 20 to provide a supply of articles for oneconventional work week (i.e., five days). Moreover, it may be desirablethat the interior 66 have a width when the articles are removed and thepocket 64 is flattened as shown in FIG. 5 less than about twice thearticle width 54, and a width when receiving the preselected number ofarticles more than about one times the article width. In one embodiment,the width of the hollow interior 66 when the articles 20 are removed isabout 1.2 times the article width. Likewise, it may be desirable thatthe interior 66 have a length when the articles are removed and thepocket 64 is flattened less than about twice the article length 56, anda length when receiving the preselected number of articles more thanabout one times the article length. In one embodiment, the length of thehollow interior 66 when the articles 20 are removed is about 1.2 timesthe article length 56. Further, in one embodiment the opening 68 has awidth when the pocket 62 receives the articles 20 less than about twotimes the article width 54 and more than about one times the articlewidth. It may be desirable that the opening width be about 1.2 times thearticle width 54. In one embodiment, the opening 68 has an area when thepocket receives the preselected number of articles 20 less than abouttwice the number of articles times a product of the article width 54 andthickness 58, and more than about one times the number of articles timesthe product of the article width and thickness.

[0048] As illustrated in FIG. 2, it may be desirable that the flap 70and/or the pocket 64 include a visual indicator, generally designated by110, for distinguishing the edge 74 of the flap from the pocket. Theindicator 110 improves visual identification of the edge 74 of the flap70 when grasping the flap to move it toward its open position. Thevisual indicator 110 comprises visually contrasting surface treatmentson the flap 70 and the pocket 64. Although other visually contrastingsurface treatments may be used without departing from the scope of thepresent invention, in one embodiment the visually contrasting surfacetreatments include a first color on at least a portion of an exteriorsurface or outer face 112 of the flap 70 and a second color on at leasta portion of an exterior surface 114 of the pocket 64. Further, it maybe desirable that one of the colors be a raw material color of thepackaging material and the other color be printed on the packaging 62.For example, if the raw material color of the packaging 62 is white, alower edge margin 116 and opposing side margins 118 of the flap 70 maybe substantially free of printing such as background coloration andtext, and a central portion of the flap may include printing of acontrasting color (e.g., blue). The margins 116, 118 are delineated byphantom lines in the drawings. Although the edge margins 116, 118 mayhave other widths without departing from the scope of the presentinvention, in one embodiment the edge margins have a width 120 less thanabout 15 millimeters. It may be desirable that the widths 120 of theedge margins be about 4 millimeters. In addition to omitting printingfrom the edge margins 116, 118 of the flap 70, it may be desirable thatthe side margins of the pocket 64 (delineated by phantom lines) besubstantially free of printing, to prevent printing discoloration whenthe sides are heat sealed. Further, it may be desirable that the flap 70and/or the pocket 64 include a tactile indicator (not shown) fordistinguishing the edge 74 of the flap from the pocket to improvetactile identification of the edge of the flap. It is envisioned thatthe tactile indicator could be a textured portion (e.g., knurling) on anexterior surface of the flap 70 and/or the pocket 64.

[0049] A master package is designated in its entirety by the numeral 130in FIG. 6. The master package 130 includes a plurality of the utilitypackages 60 as described above. In addition, the master package 130includes removable master packaging 132 surrounding the utility packages60. The master packaging 132 has a hollow interior sized and shaped forreceiving the utility packages. It is envisioned that the masterpackaging may have printing (not shown) on its exterior surface. It isfurther envisioned that the utility packages 60 may be arranged one ormore stacks inside the master packaging 132. For example, the utilitypackages 60 may be arranged in two stacks as shown in FIG. 6 or arrangedin one stack as shown in FIG. 7. Although the master package 130 mayinclude different numbers of utility packages 60 without departing fromthe scope of the present invention, in the illustrated embodiments themaster package includes less than about twelve utility packages. Forexample, the master package 130 may include about ten utility packages60 as shown in FIG. 6 or about nine utility packages as shown in FIG. 7.Further, it may be desirable that one or more sides of the masterpackaging 132 include conventional gussets 134 to provide the packagingwith flat sides. Although the master packaging 132 may be made of othermaterials without departing from the scope of the present invention, inone embodiment the master packaging is made from polyethylene sheetmaterial having a thickness of about 45 microns using conventionalpackaging methods.

[0050] It is envisioned that the utility packages 60 may havealternative constructions without departing from the scope of thepresent invention. For instance, as illustrated in FIG. 8 a conventionaladhesive tab closure 140 may be used to hold the flap 70 in its closedposition against the pocket 64 of the packaging 62. Another embodimentshown in FIG. 9 is similar to that of FIG. 8 except that the flap 70 hasa generally triangular configuration and is initially joined to thepocket 64 by frangible perforations 142.

[0051] Referring to FIGS. 10 and 11 of the drawings, an interlabial padis designated in its entirety by the reference number 150. The pad 150,which is exemplary of interlabial pads that may be packaged inaccordance with this invention, is generally of the type disclosed inthe aforesaid U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,595,392 and 4,673,403, which are herebyincorporated by reference. In one embodiment, the pad 150 is generallyoval and has lateral projections 152. As those skilled in the art willappreciate, the interlabial pad may have other shapes without departingfrom the scope of the present invention. Although the pad 150 of oneembodiment comprises a lamination of a layer 154 of absorbent materialon a fluid impervious layer 156 (e.g., plastic film), pads having otherconfigurations including those without an impervious layer are alsocontemplated. As shown in FIGS. 12 and 13, in one embodiment the pad 150is folded in half on its major axis as indicated at 158 and, as shown inFIGS. 14 and 15, is individually packaged in an elongate, generally flatsealed hygienic package 160 having a longitudinal seam 162 and end seals164. In alternative embodiments, it is envisioned that the package 160may not be sealed or may be omitted entirely. Further, it is envisionedthat the pad 150 may be unfolded without departing from the scope of thepresent invention. Although the package 160 may be made of othermaterials without departing from the scope of the present invention, inone embodiment the package is made of heat-sealable plastic film and inanother embodiment the package is made of paper. The seam 162 and seals164 may be made by any conventional process such as heat sealing,mechanical sealing or adhesive bonding. Further, it is envisioned thatthe pad 150 may be sealed in the package 160 with a cardboard backing165.

[0052] As illustrated in FIGS. 16 and 17, a package of a fourthembodiment of the present invention is designated in its entirety by thereference numeral 166. The package 166, carries a supply 168 of theinterlabial pads 150 individually wrapped in their respective sealedhygienic packages 160 readily available for use when needed. The package166 generally comprises a receptacle 170 (e.g., a pocket) having a mouthor opening 172 (see FIG. 19 particularly) through which a pad 150 in itssealed package 160 may be withdrawn for use when needed. The receptacle170 has a reclosable flap 179 for closing the opening 172. The flap 174may be closed after a pad 150 is withdrawn to retain the remaining padsin the receptacle 170 until needed.

[0053] The receptacle 170 comprises a bag having front and back walls176 and 178 joined at the sides 180 and 182 and bottom 184 and free fromeach other at the top to define the opening 172. The flap 174 which isintegral with the back wall 178 may be folded over the opening 172 so itoverlies the front wall 176. The flap 174 is releasably adhered to thefront wall 176 by an adhesive or mechanical closure 186. The receptacle176 is formed from an elongate rectangular blank folded along fold 184to form the front and back walls 176, 178, respectively. In oneembodiment, the blank is a plastic film such as polyethylene film. Inalternative embodiments, the blank is a non-woven material or anon-woven and film laminate. The fold 184 constitutes the bottom of thereceptacle 170. The front and back walls 176, 178 are sealed together asby heat seals 180 s and 182 s at both sides, and are free from eachother at the top to define the bag opening 172. The plastic film (e.g.,polyethylene) from which the bag is made is generally opaque as by beingpigmented (e.g., blue) to conceal the packaged pads in the bag. In oneembodiment, the closure 186 is a spot 194 of pressure-sensitive adhesivesuch as two-sided tape for releasably adhering the flap 174. In analternative embodiment (not shown), the closure 186 includes a stripe ofpressure-sensitive adhesive extending from side to side along thereceptacle 170. The packages 160 of pads 150 (e.g., from about three toabout six in number) are aligned vertically so they extend from theopening 172 to the bottom 184 of the receptacle 170. In an alternativeembodiment, it is envisioned that the pads 150 may be alignedhorizontally from side to side in the receptacle 170. Although thereceptacle 170 may have other dimensions without departing from thescope of the present invention, in one embodiment the receptacle has anoverall width measured from side to side of about 10.8 cm and an overallheight measured from the opening 172 to the bottom 184 of between about9.5 cm and about 14.0 cm. Further, the flap 174 of this one embodimenthas a width matching the width of the receptacle 170 and a height ofabout 5.1 cm. It is further envisioned that the package 166 of thefourth embodiment of the present invention may include various featuresdescribed above with respect to the packages of the first, second andthird embodiments.

[0054] Thus, the supply 168 of pads 150 is carried in a hygieniccondition. Because the receptacle 170 (including the flap 174) isopaque, the contents are not visible and thus are carried in a discreetmanner. A pad 150 is readily available for use in hygienic conditionwhen needed by pulling the flap 184 back (to the open conditionillustrated in FIGS. 18 and 19) to open the receptacle 170, withdrawinga sealed package 160, and tearing it open to access the pad 150 therein.The torn-open package 160 is discarded. The flap 174 may then bere-adhered to the front wall 176 of the receptacle 170 to re-close thebag by means of the closure 186.

[0055]FIGS. 20 and 21 illustrate a fifth embodiment of the package ofthe present invention, designated by 196 in its entirety. The package196 of the fifth embodiment again comprises an opaque plastic receptacle198 having front and back walls 200, 202, respectively, joined at thesides 204, 206 by heat-sealed side seams, having a fold 208 for thebottom and an opening 210. Instead of the flap 174 and closure 186, thereceptacle 198 is provided with conventional press-fit members 212 and214 (i.e., conventional interlockable plastic channels) extending acrossthe front and back walls 200, 202 adjacent the opening 210. Thereceptacle 198 holds a plurality (e.g., three to six) packages 160 ofpads 150. Although in the illustrated embodiment the packages 160 extendvertically from the bottom 208 to adjacent the opening 210 just belowthe press-fit members 212, 214, it is also envisioned that the packagesmay extend horizontally from side to side. The press-fit members 212,214 are conventionally used on plastic bags and will not be described infurther detail. Although the receptacle 198 may have other dimensionswithout departing from the scope of the present invention, in oneembodiment the receptacle has an overall width measured from side toside of about 10.8 cm and an overall height measured from the opening210 to the bottom 208 of between about 9.5 cm and about 14.0 cm.

[0056]FIGS. 22 and 23 illustrate a sixth embodiment of the package ofthe present invention, designated by 216 in its entirety. For the mostpart, the package 216 of the sixth embodiment is the same as the package196 of the fifth embodiment except for the use of conventional slidefastener members 218 and 220 (instead of press-fit members 212 and 214)and a conventional slide fastener 222. Members 218, 220 and slidefastener 222 are such as conventionally used on plastic bags and willnot be described in further detail. Although the receptacle of thepackage 216 of the sixth embodiment may have other dimensions withoutdeparting from the scope of the present invention, in one embodiment thereceptacle has an overall width measured from side to side of betweenabout 9.5 cm and about 14.0 cm and an overall height measured from theopening to the bottom of about 10.8 cm.

[0057] FIGS. 24-26 illustrate a seventh embodiment of the package of thepresent invention, designated by 230 in its entirety. The package 230 ofthe seventh embodiment is in the style of wallet and has two pockets 232and 234, each having an opening 232 m, 234 m, facing the other opening.The package 230 may be folded in half with the openings 232 m, 234 m onthe inside. Packages 160 of pads 150 are stocked in the pockets. Thepackage 230 comprises an elongate rectangular outside wall 236 of theopaque plastic film and inside walls 238 and 240 of said film extendingacross the inside face 242 of the outside wall from one side of theoutside wall to the other and inward from the ends of the outside wall.Each inside wall 238, 240 terminates short of the center of the outsidewall 236 thereby forming the openings 232 m, 234 m of a pad-containingpocket.

[0058] In further detail, the receptacle 230 comprises an elongaterectangular blank of the opaque plastic film, portions of which arefolded over as indicated at 244, 246 to form the inside walls 238, 240.The folds 244, 246 form the bottoms of the pockets 232, 234. Thefolded-over end portions forming the inside walls 238, 240 areheat-sealed at both sides as indicated at 248 and 250 to the portion ofthe blank between folds 244, 246 constituting the outside wall 236. Theopenings of the pockets 232, 234 lie on opposite sides of a fold line Fat the center of the outside wall 236 on which the receptacle isfoldable as illustrated in FIG. 26. The receptacle 230 may be heldclosed by a tab 252 heat-sealed to the outside wall 236 and having aspot (or stripe) 254 of pressure-sensitive adhesive thereon. Or, asshown in FIG. 27, the spot (or stripe) 254 may be applied to one of theinside walls, e.g., inside wall 240 to form a package of a eighthembodiment. Although the pockets 232, 234 of the packages 230 of theseventh and eighth embodiments may have other dimensions withoutdeparting from the scope of the present invention, in one embodiment thepockets have overall widths measured from side to side of between about9.5 cm and about 14.0 cm and overall heights measured from therespective opening to the respective bottom of between about 6.3 cm andabout 8.9 cm.

[0059] Although the interlabial pad packages are described above ascontaining interlabial pads, those skilled in the art will appreciatethat the packages may include other feminine care products andassociated supplies. For example, the packages may contain a supply ofinterlabial pads and a supply of tampons and/or panty liners. Examplesof associated supplies which the packages may contain include wipesand/or tissues. Further, it is envisioned that the packages may includemore than one size of interlabial pad without departing from the scopeof the present invention.

[0060] In view of the above, it will be seen that the several objects ofthe invention are achieved and other advantageous results attained.

[0061] When introducing elements of the present invention or thepreferred embodiment(s) thereof, the articles “a”, “an”, “the” and“said” are intended to mean that there are one or more of the elements.The terms “comprising”, “including” and “having” are intended to beinclusive and mean that there may be additional elements other than thelisted elements.

[0062] As various changes could be made in the above constructionswithout departing from the scope of the invention, it is intended thatall matter contained in the above description or shown in theaccompanying drawings shall be interpreted as illustrative and not in alimiting sense.

What is claimed is:
 1. A master package comprising: a plurality ofutility packages, each of said utility packages including: a pluralityof absorbent articles; and utility packaging including a flexible pockethaving a hollow interior sized and shaped for receiving said pluralityof absorbent articles, and a recloseable opening extending into thehollow interior of the pocket sized and shaped for permitting at leastone of said plurality of articles to be withdrawn from the hollowinterior of the pocket; and removable master packaging surrounding saidplurality of utility packages having a hollow interior sized and shapedfor receiving said plurality of utility packages.
 2. A master package asset forth in claim 1 wherein said plurality of absorbent articlescomprise a feminine care product.
 3. A master package as set forth inclaim 2 wherein each feminine care product is surrounded by a removablewrapper.
 4. A master package as set forth in claim 2 wherein thefeminine care products comprise a panty liner.
 5. A master package asset forth in claim 4 wherein each panty liner is surrounded by aremovable wrapper.
 6. A master package as set forth in claim 5 whereinthe removable wrapper comprises a rectangular sheet having: opposingside edges having a forward portion, a middle portion and a backportion, a first fold extending between said side edges separating themiddle portion and the back portion so that said first fold forms abottom of the wrapper, and a second fold extending between said sideedges generally parallel to and above said first fold separating themiddle portion and front portion so that said second fold forms a top ofthe wrapper, wherein the middle portion of each side edge is joined withthe corresponding back portion of each side edge and the forward portionof each side edge is joined with the corresponding middle portion ofeach side edge thereby forming opposing sides of the wrapper.
 7. Amaster package as set forth in claim 1 wherein said master packagingincludes printing thereon.
 8. A master package as set forth in claim 1wherein each utility packaging includes a flap attached to the pocketadapted for covering the opening to retain said plurality of absorbentarticles in the hollow interior of the pocket, said flap beingselectably moveable between an open position in which the opening isgenerally unobstructed by said flap to permit said at least one articleto be withdrawn through the opening and a closed position in which theflap covers the opening and an exterior area of the pocket to retainsaid plurality of articles in the pocket and to prevent said at leastone article from passing through the opening.
 9. A master package as setforth in claim 8 wherein each utility packaging includes a closurepositioned on at least one of said pocket and said flap for releasablyholding said flap in the closed position.
 10. A master package as setforth in claim 9 wherein said closure is an adhesive closure.
 11. Amaster package as set forth in claim 8 wherein each utility packagingcomprises a rectangular sheet having opposing side edges and a firstfold extending between said side edges so that each side edge has afront portion and a back portion separated by said first fold and sothat said first fold forms a bottom of the pocket, and wherein the frontportion of each side edge is joined with the corresponding back portionof each side edge thereby forming opposing sides of the pocket.
 12. Amaster package as set forth in claim 11 wherein the sheet has a secondfold extending between said side edges generally parallel to and abovesaid first fold so that said second fold separates the flap from thepocket.
 13. A master package as set forth in claim 1 wherein saidplurality of absorbent articles is arranged in a stack in the utilitypackaging.
 14. A master package as set forth in claim 1 wherein saidplurality of utility packages is arranged in at least one stack insidethe master packaging.
 15. A master package as set forth in claim 1wherein said plurality of absorbent articles comprises less than abouteight absorbent articles.
 16. A master package as set forth in claim 15wherein said plurality of absorbent articles comprises about fiveabsorbent articles.
 17. A master package as set forth in claim 1 whereinsaid plurality of utility packages comprises less than about twelveutility packages.
 18. A master package as set forth in claim 17 whereinsaid plurality of utility packages comprises about ten utility packages.19. A master package as set forth in claim 18 wherein said plurality ofutility packages is arranged in two stacks.
 20. A master package as setforth in claim 17 wherein said plurality of utility packages comprisesabout nine utility packages.
 21. A master package as set forth in claim20 wherein said plurality of utility packages is arranged in a singlestack.
 22. A master package as set forth in claim 1 wherein said masterpackaging includes gussets.